Another Maui Delimma!
 

We have a convertible reserved for our trip to Maui. The delimma is that we wanted to take the advice of a previous poster and have an early dinner at Mama's Fish House on the way from the airport to our condo, Maui Kai.

I know that everyone insists it is not safe to leave luggage in your car. It just dawned on me that we will be in the convertible and all our luggage may not even go in the trunk!

I was wondering, is the parking lot visible from the restaurant? Is there a table that would allow us to keep an eye on the car?

I know this is a long shot, but thought I'd ask. Belle.

I'm sorry I can't shed any light on Mama's Fish House as I didn't ever eat there. However, I did stay at the Maui Kai in Dec. 04 and would be interested to hear how your stay was when you return. We enjoyed our stay in studio unit 1003.

Mahalo, Boxer: I intend to do a trip report when I return, though not nearly so refined as some I've enjoyed on this forum!

I'm alittle concerned after having read anna's trip report! Belle.

I would think your luggage would be pretty safe at Mama's. It's all valet parking and the lot's not all that big, so the valets are constantly parking or retrieving cars. The end result is that anyone snooping around the cars would be spotting quickly and reported (and likely shooed away). I think you luggage will be reasonably safe.

Ken

That makes me feel somewhat better,Lordbalfor! Mahalo, Belle.

With the valet parking and reputation of Mama's, I would feel secure enough to even park and take a walk in Paia before dinner. I would even consider asking the valet to put it in a well lit secure spot, since you're on the way to the airport and the car is packed.

Your luggage would be fine at Mama's, but do you really want to go right from the airport to Mama's? I'd think on that again. When I go anywhere to spend that kind of money I want to be fresh and relaxed and enjoy the meal. After the stress of packing, getting to the airport, flying, baggage claim, etc all I want to do is take a shower and get settled. Maybe you travel better than I do, but I'd at least want to get cleaned up a bit first. Also, if you are staying at the Mana Kai, your drive from Mama's to your condo will be more than hour, especially if you are driving back during afternoon/evening drive times. Just some things to think about.

Ooops, I misread and thought you were heading to the airport. I kinda agree with heretoday on this one. Where are you flying from?

Gyppie--a walk from Mama's parking lot to Pa`ia town would be quite a hike--that's about a 2 mile walk. Mama's is in Ku'au, up Hana Highway from Pa`ia town.

Also, Belle, I'm sorry, I'm confused. Are you staying at the Mana Kai, or the Maui Kai? I thought in another thread you talked about the Mana Kai, but here you say the Maui Kai. They are at opposite ends of the island--one is in Ka`anapali, one is in Wailea.

Your luggage should be fine. We ate at Mama's before heading to the airport our last day. All of our luggage was in the trunk, and some in the back seat. Given the valet parking, I wouldn't worry. It's not the same as parking at a pullout on the side of the road in West Maui. I would recommend eating lunch at Mama's before your return flight. That way you'll have a wonderful meal in your belly for the flight home.

here today: We will be staying at Maui Kai for 5 nights and Mana Kai for 3 nights.

We thought that would give us a better opportunity to snorkel the beaches of South Maui without so much driving (and can get there earlier!).

Like I said, I read that a poster had made Mama's the 1st stop to prevent driving back and forth so much. It seemed to work for them!

How far is Mama's from the airport? How long should it take us to arrive at the restaurant? Belle

gyppielou: We're flying out of B'ham, AL. A LONG flight! Belle

Belle, I always schedule my expensive dinners (like eating at Mama's) for my third day or after in Hawaii. On one of my trips over, we scheduled a very fancy restaurant for our SECOND day, and then regretted it because we were so wiped out by jet lag still that we might as well have thrown the money in the ocean!!! :-( Maybe you're much livelier and more alert after long flights than I am, but if I were spending what you will at Mama's, I'd drive back on another day when I could enjoy it to the hilt! :-) Whatever you do, have a fabulous trip... ((r))

For arriving Hawaii (and I only come from the west coast) I like to go directly to the hotel, check in, have a cocktail, get the room set up, shower, then have a casual dinner somewhere closeby. Just a thought!

What time does your plane get in? Afternoon drive into Pa`ia from Kahului can be slow. I'd figure 20 minutes, maybe 30 if it's a bad day.

If you are getting the Mustang convertible, there is not a lot of room in the trunk, or even the back seat. But you will be fine at mama's, because of the valet... ask him to keep it close. You will not be able to see the car from the resturant. The parking lot is relatively small. Try and go at dusk, for the sunset.

One more piece of info... well, maybe two.
Getting your luggage at Kahului airport may take A LOT longer than you think. We waited at least 30 minutes for ours.
THEN you've got at least another 30 - 40 minutes in line for the car rental.
The 8 hr. flight didn't bother me at all, but I was wiped out by the time we actually got on the road!

oh, but you're gonna LOVE the convertible!

One person in your group can go get the rental car while the others wait for the luggage.

The Itinerary thus far is as follows:


Wed. Arrive at Kahului 3:10PM
5PM dinner at Mama's Fish
House
Check In Maui Kai

Thurs: ?

5:45PM Old Lahaina
Luau (reservation)

Fri: Snorkle Kahekili/Black Rock.
Shop Lahaina (Art night too)
Lunch Maui Tacos
See BR diver/lighting ceremony
Hula Grill

Sat. Snorkle?

5:00PM Warren & Annabelle's show
(reservations)

Sun.: Pali Drive
Snorkel Honolu'a
Shave Ice/Auntie Ululani @
Kahakuloa
I'ao Valley/I'ao Needle
Kepaniwa Heritage Gardens
Lunch? Dinner?

Mon.: 12:00PM Ck out Maui Kai
3:00PM Ck into Mana Kai
Check out the locale/beach
Sea Watch for Lunch
Nick's for Dinner

Tues.: Early AM snorkel
Roy's for dinner

Wed.: Hana drive (early)
?pick up picnic in Paia?

Thurs: Check out early for 10:20AM
flight to Oahu!

I'm not completely settled on dinner where there is no reservation indicated above. I have lots of info, just haven't nailed down what is in good proximity on any certain date yet.

If I don't do Mama's on arrival, when does is look like I could fit it in, without excessive driving? Mahalo, Belle

Since we will be leaving Maui in early AM, dinner there is out on that date.

Thanks for all the assurances about the security at Mama's!

Still could use some suggestions for the ?'s above.

Mahalo!
Belle

I forgot a major event: Haleakala Sunrise and 4Hr. Horse tour. I guess this should be on Thurs. Will I have enough time for a nap before going to Old LaHaina Luau? Belle.

Belle,
If you are from B'ham, why are you eating at Maui taco when you are there? I will say, my husband and i really enjoy going there while at home (in bham), but i wouldn't go someplace that we have at home. There are too many good places out there.
The flight from Bham is long, we bought an inexpensive DVD player before we went last time, and it was a lifesaver. Certainly occupied the time, and we have used it several times since then.
Make sure you pack some basics in your carryon. My stepdad had his luggage go to Anchorage instead of Maui. It took about 5 days for it to be returned.

bebalm: gyppielou asked 'where are you flying from?...not where do you live? I lived in B'ham many years ago. Rarely get there now, but will be flying out of that airport.

I have never eaten at Maui Tacos. Didn't know AL had one! Chose it based on other's trip reports, saying it was good and inexpensive. Thought I'd save a few bucks, since I've got alot of other, more expensive restaurants at other times...Do you have another suggestion?

Mahalo! Belle.

Belle, another thought I had here...... have you thought of eating at Roy's of Kahana on Friday night or Sunday night, rather than the one in Kihei on Tuesday night? Then on Tuesday, drive to Mama's for dinner from Kihei? The drive would be about half as long as if you drove it from Kaanapali, for instance, if I'm remembering correctly. That way, you could be at Mama's when you are refreshed, relaxed and could appreciate it to the max ... just an idea. :-) I understand your trying to work in as many things as you can see & do, while doing as little driving as possible, but I hate to see you arrive at Mama's in a fog. When we fly from Raleigh, we are pretty zonked by the time we get there.......... Good luck with your planning; you're doing a good job!

bonniebroad: That suggestion sounds interesting! I will have to give it more thought later...scooting out to church now!

But I DID want to say that, when I went to Paris with a teacher and her students (my sons and MIL along), she informed us we would 'hit the ground running, so we'd better try to sleep on the plane!

Well, being the light sleeper I am, I got NO sleep! Remember being tired but SO EXCITED to be in Paris, I didn't mind! Got to bed about 11PM! I lived, and had a great time!

That said, I appreciate all the recs and will consider being more rested in order to enjoy Mama's! I need all the help I can get! Belle.

The updated itinerary is as follows:

Wed.:
Arrive at Kahului 3:10PM
Check In Maui Kai (how long does it take to drive from OGG?)
Walmart(at Kahului)/Longs/ABC for supplies
Fishmarket/Cook in condo (or what?)or is Bubba Gumps a possibility?

Thurs:
Sunrise at Haleakala (?allow 3Hr. drive?)
checkout Pai'i, Makawao
Early Lunch ? Pai'i Fishmarket v.s. bring picnic
5:45PM Old Lahaina Luau (reservation)

Fri.: Snorkle Kahekili/Black Rock
Shop Lahaina (Art night too)
Lunch Lelani's (& Maui Onion Strings)
See BR diver/lighting ceremony (what time is this over-how soon could we be at the restaurant(s))-I know you can watch the diver from Hula Grill...can you from PH?
Hula Grill or Plantation House?

Sat.: Snorkle
Lunch: I'o or Pacific'o
5:00PM Warren & Annabelle's show
(reservations)

Sun.: Pali Drive
Snorkel Honolu'a
Shave Ice/Auntie Ululani @
Kahakuloa
I'ao Valley/I'ao Needle
Kepaniwa Heritage Gardens
Lunch? Dinner?

Mon.: 12:00PM Ck out Maui Kai
3:00PM Ck into Mana Kai
Check out the locale/beach
Sea Watch for Lunch or Five Palms
Nick's for Dinner

Tues.: Early AM snorkel
Palm Court Buffet BF (@ Rennaisance Wailea)
Dinner at Mama's Fish House (check out Pai'i,Makawao if didn't get to on Thurs.)

Wed.: Hana drive (early)
?pick up picnic in Paia? (How early do they open?)vs. CJ's Deli the night before.

Thurs.: Check out early for 10:20AM
flight to Oahu!

I'm not completely settled on dinner where there is no reservation
indicated above. I have lots of info, just haven't nailed down what is
in good proximity on any certain date yet.

Well? What's your thoughts on THIS one?
Belle

Allow yourself a good hour from the airport to Ka`anapali, especially that time of day. You really don't need to stop at WalMart, Long's and ABC store. ABC Store is a convenience store-think 7-11 with trinkets. WalMart will have the same trinkets and snacks, limited liquor selection. Long's has the trinket, better liquor, different/same snacks with fresh local produce. Bubba Gumps (far from one of my favorites) is in Lahaina, which will mean you will have to drive, park and walk. You may or may not feel like that once you get to your condo. I know I sure wouldn't feel like cooking! lol

Do eat at the Pa`ia Fish Market!

Plantation House is in Kapalua--you won't be able to see the Sheraton from there. But no comparison on ambiance or food--Plantation House wins over Hula Grill by a landslide. On Sunday maybe you might want to have breakfast at the Gazebo before starting your trip around the Pali. Many choices for eats in Wailuku for a late lunch when you get that far. Do you like Vietnamese? Saigon Café is great. Lots of local places on Lower Main Street. We like Tiffany's Bar & Grill. Great food with a Korean flavor, easy to digest prices. There is a Café O'Lei at `Iao, or maybe take a picnic that day and then have dinner later.

The day you go to Hana: CJs Deli is in Ka`anapli. In Pa`ia, Hana Bay Juice Company opens at 8, Café Mambo opens at 9. Home Grown Market on Hana Highway in Ha`iku also does picnic lunches and they open at 6:30. You should call any of these the day before and place your order so you don't have to wait around. Safeway is open 24 hours and I see lines at their service deli in the morning hours. They do make a pretty good sandwich at Safeway, with olive spread--a la muffaletta.

Here: How much time between Kaanapali and Maui Kai? Another 15-20 Min.?

So, you think Maui Tacos might be the place the night we arrive? Or what would you do? We will 'dump' the Bubba Gumps idea!

The reason I said the Fishmarket, Jon said they give you the pan/seasonings etc. to cook it...fish only takes a few minutes...DH will eat green beans out of the can if necessary (does it alot in fact!)...me, I don't care for them in the can, but fresh fruit would be more to my liking. Is there an easy to prepare veggie that's easily available?

So eating at Pai'i Fish Market the day we do Haleakala is good?

I'm not sure I've had Vietnamese or Korean...we like Thai and Chinese...is it similar?
Thanks for all the ideas for lunch!

Sounds like Home Grown Market In Haiku might be the place to pick up the picnic lunch! Is any one of these suggestions better than another?

Where is the Safeway?
Mahalo as always! Belle

Belle, The day you arrive you can save yourself some time, there's a very nice/ large grocery store right across the street from the Maui Kai. There is also an ABC store within walking distance. You can pick up dinner at the Honokowai Okazuya Deli which is also within walking distance of Maui Kai. The Mahi Mahi in lemon butter sauce gets very high marks.

anna: That sounds great! ((y)) Do you know their hours of operation? Belle.

From the airport to Maui Kai will be about an hour.

An easy veggie? How about a salad, made with Kula greens, Olowalu tomatoes, Maui onions, and local avocados dressed in a papaya seed dressing? We usually cut a Maui onion in half and put it on the grill along with our fish.

The suggestion to go over to the okazuya is a good one. I'd probably send my husband over to bring back take out while I got us unpacked and made us some cocktails. There is a Maui Tacos in Napili.

And if you get settled, and then feel like you want to go out for a nicer meal there are options nearby--Roy's Kahana, Reilly's, Fish & Game Brewery, and Outback are down the street at the Kahana Gateway Center. Pineapple Grill and Vino are at Kapalua, Whaler's Village isn't far either, but there is usually a wait for a table at Hula Grill/Leilani's at dinner time. I think I'd leave my first night open and see how I felt. Some people are ready to go out and do Maui their first night, others just want to eat in and crash. You are going to be getting up pretty darn early the next day, yeah?

There is a Star Market at Napili and you can most likely find what you want there, but I find their prices to be higher and we never, ever buy meat or fish from Star Markets. I just don't like the quality. I do go to Star Market for produce through, and lately they seem to be bettiing a bit more competitive on their wine prices. They never have a decent sale price on soda or beer, at least when I need it. There is a Safeway and Long's Drugs at the Lahaina Cannery Mall, which you will pass on your way to then Maui Kai, and, of course, WalMart is on the way from the airport.

The okazuya is closed on Sundays, and open from, I think 11-2, and 4:30 to 9 the rest of the week.

anna and here: That was helpful! Mahalo and (how do you say good night?!) Belle.

Good morning!

What exactly are kula greens? I did a search but only came up with the fact that all the restaurants use them!

And how do those tomatoes differ from the southern 'big boys'? I love salads!

Belle

Kula greens? lol Why they are salad makin's grown up in Kula! Who wants to eat prepackaged mainland greens when we have fresh ones right here?

Olowalu tomatoes are the freshest, best ones you'll find on the island because they are locally grown, as opposed to mainland-Mexican tomotoe or even Kamuela tomatoes which come from the Big Island via O`ahu by barge. Even my mother, who insists that nothing beats a Jersey tomato, says the fresh tomatoes from Olowalu are among the best she has ever tasted. She says it has something to do with the sandy soil and cool nights. She says it has to do with the slightly acidic sandy soil and long hours of daylight. I'll take her word for it--I've done nothing to my tomatoes and they have taken off like gangbusters!

The Kula greens I had were fantastic. Even the Aloha Grill served Kula Greens on the Mahi burger. I especially enjoyed the bib lettuce variety.

My two cents re Maui Tacos ...

Skip it. I found it to be really, really overrated. We had lunch at the store in the Napili Plaza. Very uninteresting fish tacos, totally unhelpful, disinterested (to the point of being sullen) counter workers. Their salsa bar (which is supposed to be one of their claims to fame) was very unappetizing - unfilled containers, slopped salsa left all over ...).

As you can tell I was not impressed. Especially as I "forced" my husband to get up off Napili Bay beach to go there specifically.

I would rather have nachos and mai tais or beer on the deck of the Embassy Resort (pink building right next door to the Maui Kai) ... couldn't be closer and has nice poolside location with a view of the ocean.

All good advice & explainations!

Erase, erase, scratch...that's me marking Maui Tacos off my list! ((N))

Belle

Is the Honokowai Okazuya Deli in the center right opposite the turn off for Maui Kai/Embassy/Mahana or a bit further north on the lower road ?

one of our favorite places was Kimo's in Lahaina frontstreet. Great food, absolutely amazing views and great service. We will return here next year. REasonably priced.